Category Archives: Modern Railways

Whilst scanning a bunch of old slides these past few days I came across another one from 23 years ago which really sums up how much the railways have changed since. It shows the first of the new Class 325 EMUs built for Royal Mail traffic (325001) out on test at Carlisle. Alongside it is an HST working the 08:50 service from Glasgow Central to Penzance, the lead power car is 43068 which was one of 9 modified in 1988 when they were fitted with buffers and conventional couplings for use with ECML Class 91s in place of the Mk4 coaches & DVTs which weren’t ready in time for the testing programme. Many years later it became one of 6 power cars used by open access operator Grand Central before moving again in January to become part of the East Midland Trains fleet. Nowadays HSTs only visit Carlisle on special occasions.

325001 has also had a mixed life. Post privatisation it was operated by EWS until 2003 when Royal Mail abandoned rail altogether. After a period in store the unit returned to use with GBRf from 2004 until 2010 when DB Schenker, the successor to EWS won the mail traffic back.

When I took this picture I’d no idea that what seemed to be a normal everyday scene would soon prove to be anything but…

I’m currently travelling up from the Southern Thai town of Hat Yai to Bangkok on one of SRT’s new Chinese built sleeper trains. Introduced last year, tbese rakes work some services to Hat Yai and also Chiang Mai. I was keen to try them so I was delighted to secure a reservation on Train 32, the 18:45 departure. Sadly, 1st Class was already booked (these are meant to be very good) so I travelled 2nd. And the verdict? They’re good, but they have a couple of design niggles that someone, somewhere, should have picked up on

First, the good news. They’re light, bright, clean and the build quality seems very good. They’re covered by CCTV at each saloon doorway and they’re equipped with a modern passenger information system which has screens in each car telling you useful stuff about your journey such as times, next calling point, and a route map. It also tells you the temperatures inside and out as well as the speed you’re doing. The system is complemented by regular announcements in both Thai and English. There’s plenty of luggage space under the seats plus there are overhead luggage racks for smaller bags by each bay. The seats are comfortable and the cloth moquette is an attractive deep red. Underneath each window is a small flip-up table with holes to stand drinks. Each car has two toilets, a western one and a squat one. The toilets are more cramped than than in the old cars and older people will struggle with the heavy, inward opening doors. That said, they’re kept spotless as there’s a travelling cleaner on board.

So what’s the problem? These only come to light when it come to getting ready for bed. I had a top bunk, which seemed fine at first. It felt a bit narrower than the old ones as well as a little shorter. I’m 6ft and I just fitted. Taller Westerners may struggle a bit. Also, there’s two metal brackets on the wall by your head which are the catches for when the bed’s closed. These would be very easy to damage yourself on – and quite badly too. Here’s an illustration of what I mean…

There’s a handy light and power socket in the wall, it’s just a shame it doesn’t also have a USB socket. But for me, the other biggest niggle is the positioning of the coach lighting. Because most of the ceiling is taken up by a huge a/c vent, lights have been placed either side – right next to the curtains that shield the upper bunk! This means the curtains are pretty useless as a light shield so the upper bunks are flooded with light all night long. The curtains only use is for privacy. If you’re someone who has trouble sleeping unless it’s dark I think you’ll struggle in a top bunk unless you bring one of those eye-covers that the airlines give away. The upper bunks are also fitted with a reading light and power socket, but believe me – you won’t need the reading light! You’ll also find a string ‘pocket’ to put stuff in. These are pretty useless as the string is so tight (its not elastic either) that you’ll only get stuff like your phone in there.

Now, that bottom bunk…

On the old trains the floor between the seats was raised. The reason was it contained a full-lenghth pull out table that stewards would clip into place at mealtimes. It was fiddly and had to be put away every time the beds were made, so I can understand why they’d want to get rid of it. Now, there’s a far smaller table that folds down from the metal cup holder under the windows. The drawback with this is it reduces the space for the bed mattress. Previously, the bottom bunks were prized, not just for the fact you didn’t have to climb into them. It was also the fact they were so wide they were almost a double bed. A couple could sleep in one together with ease (I know, I’ve done it) – but you won’t be able to do it on the new trains due to the new table arrangement.

This is why the new coaches aren’t a clear winner over the old. Yes, they’ve got some nice, useful features, but it’s very much swings and roundabouts. Some trade-off have been made and there’s a couple of (to my mind) design defects – the most serious of which are the problems with the upper bunk.

This leaves me preferring the old coaches over the new – although I still want to try the 1st Class.

I’d be interested to hear what anyone else’s experiences are. Meanwhile, here’s a look at some of the issues I mentioned.

Exterior view of the new Chinese built sleeper coaches. As can be seen, they look pretty smart.

A view of one of the bays of seats with the upper bunk stowed away for daytime use.

Looking down the car towards the vestibule, showing one of the PIS screens.

Close-up of the flip=up tables, showing how much room they take.

Vestibule showing the CCTV and equipment. As can be seen, they’re clean and well laid out.

Close-up of the PIS screen above the compartment entrance with CCTV camera above

Many years ago, when I first turned freelance & ditched my job in housing I had a cartoon over my desk at home. It was of a chap wearing a paper hat, clutching a glass of wine and standing in front of a mirror. He was talking to himself, saying “the only problem with working from home is the office Xmas party is crap”. It really tickled me as it summed up the situation many freelances find themselves in this time of year.

I’m reminded of this because I’m currently on my way to an office party with a difference. Modern Railways magazine Editor Jim Abbott has invited me to join himself and other regular contributors to the magazine on their Xmas bash aboard a Great Western Railways train from London to Bristol. Our little gathering has very kindly been arranged by GWR MD Mark Hopwood & his staff, who are hosting us for the second year running.

I’ll be back in London again tomorrow to join both railway and media colleagues at the annual Railway Carol Service at St Mary’s Somers Town, Eversholt St (which in aid of the Transport Benevolent Fund). It starts at 12:30, should any of you want to join us.